Presbyter
Saint Martyr Vladimir Chetyverin was born in 1874 in the village of Barakhman-Gart of the Ardatov district of the Simbirsk province into a simple, pious family. From his youth, he loved the path of teaching and wished to bring the light of Christ's faith to people. He first worked as a teacher in a literacy school, then taught for seven years in a church-parish school in the village of Kutyovo. At the age of 29, wishing to serve the Lord, he submitted a request for ordination to the priesthood and was appointed as a psalmist. Later, he became the priest of the church in the village of Syryatino, where he also taught in the church-parish school.
Father Vladimir raised 11 children, three of whom died in infancy. Many of his children continued the path of teaching, and three sons met a martyr's end. In the Nativity of Christ Church in the village of Barakhman-Gart, he fervently prayed for his flock. During the troubled years in Russia, he became a victim of persecution when godless individuals destroyed churches and persecuted believers.
The parishioners entrusted him with the storage of grain, but when some villagers attempted to deceitfully take it, Father Vladimir defended them. The persecutors demanded that he violate the secrecy of confession and hand over the metric books, but he preferred to suffer rather than betray his faith. As a result, he was accused of various crimes and sentenced to death.
On September 1, 1918, Father Vladimir was shot, remaining faithful to Christ. His holy relics have remained incorrupt, and he became an intercessor for his flock. The land of Mordovia has gained an unceasing intercessor and humble protector for us, the sinners.
